One Cuban Physician’s Odyssey

 

Augusto Fernández-Conde M.D

The document is a personal account by Dr. Augusto Fernandez-Conde detailing his experiences as a physician in Cuba during the rise of Fidel Castro and the subsequent persecution of the Cuban Medical Association by the Communist regime.

Early Support for Fidel Castro

The author initially supported Fidel Castro's rise to power, believing he would bring democracy to Cuba.

·   The author, Augusto Fernandez-Conde, was a physician who supported Castro against Batista.

·         He treated Castro for pneumonia in February 1959, gaining his trust.

·         Castro was initially perceived as open and democratic, valuing the author's medical opinions.

Shift in Castro's Ideology

The author's perception of Castro changed as he revealed his true political alignment.

·         After the Bay of Pigs invasion, Castro openly declared his Communist beliefs.

·    The Cuban Medical Association initially supported Castro but faced persecution under his regime. ​

·   Dr. Julio Martinez Paez, Castro's health minister, began targeting doctors suspected of Batista ties. ​

Underground Resistance Against Castro

The author became involved in underground movements opposing Castro's regime.

·       Disillusioned by Castro's actions, he joined the Revolutionary Movement of the People.

·         He was warned by a friend about Castro's growing hostility towards him. ​

·         The Communist campaign against the Cuban Medical Association intensified, leading to its destruction.

The Cuban Medical Association's Downfall

The Communist regime systematically dismantled the Cuban Medical Association. ​

·  The Medical Party of the Revolution was established to undermine the association. ​

·   Intimidation tactics included jailing doctors and coercing support for the Communist party. ​

·         By May 10, 1966, the association ceased to exist, merging into the Federation of Medical Workers. ​

Personal Persecution and Imprisonment

The author faced personal persecution and imprisonment after the Bay of Pigs invasion.

·         He was arrested along with his wife and sister-in-law and held in a crowded prison. ​

·       Conditions were dire, with inadequate food and sanitation, leading to suffering among prisoners. ​

·         Many detainees were never charged and were released after about a month.

Escape from Cuba and Immigration Challenges

The author managed to escape Cuba amidst increasing danger from Castro's regime. ​

·         He received a tip about an early Freedom Flight and risked his life to board.

·         Upon arrival in Miami, he faced scrutiny from U.S. immigration officials who suspected him of being a Communist.

·  He was detained for weeks before being transferred to various facilities, including a prison in Texas.

Life in Detention Camps

The author experienced harsh conditions in U.S. detention camps.

·         The McAllen camp resembled a concentration camp, with high security and poor living conditions. ​

·         He faced threats from other inmates but managed to maintain a low profile.

·         Food was inadequate, leading to significant weight loss during his detention. ​

Media Attention and Release

The author's story gained media attention, leading to his eventual release.

·         A reporter's investigation revealed the unjust treatment he faced, prompting intervention from Robert Kennedy.

·         After public outcry, he was released from detention and returned to Miami.

·        He was advised not to discuss his treatment during detention, which he found unacceptable. 

​

New Beginnings in the United States

The author rebuilt his life in the U.S. after his release from detention.

·     He obtained a position at a tuberculosis sanitarium in New York with help from Dr. Louis Bauer. ​

·     He passed the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates examination to practice medicine.

·     Eventually, he became a naturalized citizen and took on a leadership role in public health in Florida.

Background and Early Life in Cuba

The author reflects on his upbringing and early education in Cuba. ​

·    Born in 1913 in Manzanillo, he faced economic hardships during his childhood.

·         Despite financial struggles, he and several siblings pursued higher education.

·    His early experiences shaped his views on government and social justice, influencing his later actions against Castro. ​

Early Literary and Political Involvement

The author engaged in literary pursuits and political activism during a turbulent period in Cuba.

·      Spent free time writing poetry and short stories, with several published in local magazines. ​

·         Joined "Union de Avance," a society for philosophical discussions, which was labeled revolutionary by the Machado police.

·         Participated in the underground movement against Machado, resulting in a month-long imprisonment. ​

·        Released with a warning to behave after the Machado government fell in 1933.

University Experience and Political Activism

The author became an active student leader during a politically charged university experience.

·   Entered the University of Havana in 1934 as a first-year student after its reopening. ​

·   The university faced repeated closures due to student protests regarding political regimes. ​

·         Served as president of his class and on the Directory of Students, influencing high school and university policies. ​

Medical Education and Contributions

The author completed medical training and made significant contributions to the field of pulmonary medicine.

• Graduated from medical school in 1940 and completed internships at "Mercedes" and "Calixto Garcia" hospitals. ​
•  Undertook two years of training in pulmonary diseases at "La Esperanza" hospital in Havana. ​
• Completed a two-year fellowship in pulmonary disease in various U.S. hospitals. ​
• Published scientific papers on pulmonary diseases and a monograph on pleural tuberculosis. ​
•  Involvement with the Cuban Medical Association

The author played a prominent role in the Cuban Medical Association during a politically charged era.

·  Active in the Cuban Medical Association (CMA) during hospital training, eventually serving as president in 1954-1955. ​

·         Joined the underground movement against Batista after he ousted President Carlos Prio Socarras in 1952. ​

·         Faced difficulties with Batista's government and publicly denounced it at the World Medical Association in Istanbul in October 1957. ​

·  Arrested upon return to Havana but released within 24 hours due to negotiations by friends.

Reflection on Political Responsibility

The author emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility in maintaining democracy. ​

·       Shares personal experiences to illustrate the dangers of communist takeovers.

·   Urges Americans to value and protect their democratic government, highlighting the need for civic engagement. ​

Fernandez-Conde, A. (1979). One Cuban Physician's Odyssey. The Journal of the Florida Medical Association, 66(1), 8-11.

Nota del Editor:

This is a summary of Dr. Fernandez-Conde's article provided from an archival document made with AI-PDF. It corresponds to the quote that appears at the end of the summary. In a first step and to be faithful to the document it is published in English before making a summary in Spanish to share on the Cuban Medicine Blog.